Residents of Kahama Village in Kafunjo Parish, Buhara Sub-county are in shock following a tragic lightning strike that claimed the lives of three pupils from Bwera Primary School.
The incident occurred yesterday evening at around 5pm during a heavy downpour. The victims were reportedly sheltering inside their home kitchen as the rain intensified, while their parents were away.
The deceased have been identified as 13-year-old Faith Namanya, a Primary Five pupil and daughter of Ronald Rukarekwaho; 13-year-old Daphine Musimiseki, a Primary Four pupil; and four-year-old Shine Ainebyona, a nursery pupil.
Daphine and Shine were daughters of Yosam Tukwasibwe. Local leaders said two of the victims were sisters, while the third was their neighbour.
Preliminary reports indicate that lightning struck the structure, killing the children instantly. The incident has left families devastated and the entire community grieving the loss of young lives.
The head teacher of Bwera Primary School, Edson Bikworwomuhangi, described the tragedy as deeply painful for both the school and the surrounding community.
“The school has never experienced such an incident before, the loss of the pupils is a big setback to the school,” he said.
He added that the incident was beyond human control as it resulted from a natural disaster, calling for support and prayers for the affected families.
Meanwhile, the LC1 Chairperson of Kahama Village, Jonan Turihohabwe, expressed concern over communication challenges during emergencies, noting that attempts to reach police immediately after the incident were unsuccessful, which delayed official reporting.
Authorities have not yet issued a formal statement on the incident, as investigations and community response efforts continue.
